Study of small wind turbines and their roles in the future of energy systems

Abstract

Today, wind turbines are one of the most widely used devices for generating clean, renewable electrical energy. The rotor blades capture the wind's kinetic energy to produce rotational energy from the turbine and electrical energy from the generator. In small wind turbines, several methods are used to drive the blades to achieve the desired rotational speed and power. Small wind turbines are an attractive alternative for off-grid electrification and water pumping, both in stand-alone applications and in combination with other energy technologies such as photovoltaics, small hydropower, or diesel engines. In this work, we will focus on wind system technology, with a particular focus on small horizontal-axis wind turbines. This study also addresses the modeling, design, and importance of these systems for achieving energy independence.